Change the subtitles or audio language for iTunes Store movies and TV shows

Some video content from the iTunes Store includes alternative audio languages or other accessibility features such as closed captions (CC), subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing (SDH), and audio-described (AD) content. You can use these features on your iOS device, computer, Apple TV, and in some other apps and services.

Find video content with subtitles or alternative audio languages in the iTunes Store

Go to a movie or show's information page in the iTunes Store, then scroll down to the Languages section.

Alternative audio languages are listed to the right of Additional. If a language lists only Subtitles or CC after it, the movie doesn't contain an audio track in that language—only subtitles or closed captioning.

Find video content with accessibility features in the iTunes Store

Go to a movie or show's information page in the iTunes Store, then scroll down to the Accessibility section.

You can also search for "closed caption," "subtitles," "SDH," or "AD" in the iTunes Store.

About iTunes Store accessibility features

Accessibility features available in the iTunes Store include closed captions, subtitles, and audio-described content. Availability of these features varies by country or region.

Closed-captioned content is a visual transcription of a video's dialogue, as well as any non-verbal communication. CC content also might help identify the speaker in a video.

Subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing content is similar to closed captions, but SDH content might be available in some situations where CC is not, and might be available in additional languages.

How to change the subtitle or audio language

If the video you're watching includes CC, SDH, AD, or alternative audio languages, your media player should offer a way to use these accessibility features, most often through the Audio & Subtitles menu, often indicated with .

Other apps or web-based media players might show a CC button or other custom controls.

On your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

While watching a movie, tap the screen to open the playback controls.

Tap .

Choose the language or subtitles that you want to use.

If you don't see an option for SDH, or you want to turn on CC or SDH by default: Go to Settings > General > Accessibility. Scroll to the Media section and tap Subtitles & Captioning. Tap Closed Captions + SDH to turn it on. If you want to customize captions or subtitles, tap Style, then choose from the options.

On your Mac or PC

Move your pointer over the video.

Click .

Choose the language or subtitles that you want to use.

If you don't see an option for SDH, or you want to turn on CC or SDH by default, follow these steps:

On a Mac, choose Apple () menu > System Preferences from the menu at the top of your computer screen. Click Accessibility, then click Captions in the sidebar. Select "Prefer closed captions and SDH" to turn it on. If you want to customize captions and subtitles, choose from the options on this screen.

On a PC, choose Edit > Preferences from the menu at the top of the iTunes window, then click the Playback tab. Select "Prefer Closed Captions and SDH" to turn it on. If you want to customize captions and subtitles, choose different options from the menu to the right of Caption Style or click the Configure button.

On your Apple TV

While watching a video, swipe down on your remote's Touch surface.

Swipe right to see the Subtitles or Audio menus.

Swipe down and choose the language or subtitles that you want to use.

If you don't see an option for SDH, or you want to turn on CC or SDH by default: Go to Settings > General > Accessibility > Subtitles and Captioning. Choose "Closed Captions and SDH" to turn it on. If you want to customize captions and subtitles, choose Style, then choose from the options.

On Apple TV (2nd generation) or Apple TV (3rd generation), hold down Select on your remote for three seconds while a video is playing to see the Subtitles tab.

On your iPod nano (7th generation)

While watching a video, tap the screen to reveal the playback controls.

Tap to open the Audio & Subtitles menu.

Choose the language or subtitles that you want to use.

If you don't see an option for SDH, or you want to turn on CC or SDH by default: Go to Settings > General > Accessibility > Subtitles & Captioning. You can also customize captions and subtitles from this screen.

Learn more

Some apps and websites provide custom caption controls for videos. If you don't see caption controls when watching a video from an app or website, contact the app developer or website owner for more information.

If you're using AirPlay to stream your movie from an iOS device or iTunes on a computer to an Apple TV, you can change the audio language or accessibility features from your iOS device or computer as you watch.

iTunes Store movies and TV shows aren't available in all countries and regions, and the languages and accessibility features supported by that content also varies by country and region. Find out what’s available in your country or region.